Open World Games That Are the Best Value

I often find myself constantly checking online game stores. It could be a quick look at a PlayStation sale or browsing the daily deals on Steam – I just can’t seem to resist.

Honestly, whenever a new game deal drops, I always see everyone asking about open-world games. You can grab them right away at full price if you’re desperate, but you’ll get way more bang for your buck if you wait for a sale. It just makes the experience even better, you know?

That’s why I’ve created a list of my top open-world game recommendations, focusing on those that offer a great experience for the price, so you can be sure you’re getting good value for your money.

10. Days Gone

A Biker’s Life For Me

When it comes to getting the most for your money, I have to recommend Days Gone. I know it’s not everyone’s favorite, but I actually think it’s a pretty good game.

This is truly one of the best PlayStation games you can find at a great price. It starts a little slow, but once you unlock more towns and explore the map, it becomes really fun to ride Deacon’s motorcycle through Oregon and battle the hordes of Freakers.

If you enjoy the fast-paced action of fighting enemies or exploring the dangerous world on your customized Drifter bike, the game offers plenty to do after you finish the main story. This includes challenging puzzles and new content from the Broken Roads DLC to keep you playing.

9. Mad Max

Survival of the Fittest

I bought Mad Max on release day and paid full price, and even now, I think it’s a fantastic open-world game for the money. Considering how much content it has, especially compared to its current sale price, it’s a shame we never saw a sequel from Avalanche Studios. To be honest, I still believe it doesn’t get the recognition it deserves.

This post-apocalyptic world looks convincingly bleak and empty, but it’s surprisingly full of activity beneath the surface. You’ll find enemy bases, abandoned camps, hidden bunkers, and traveling groups. Plus, you can gradually make areas safer by reducing the threat level and reclaiming them from powerful Warlords. The combat is a brutal, satisfying experience, similar to the Arkham series.

I constantly rave about Max’s car, which I call the Magnum Opus. The way you customize it is really important, as it heavily influences how you play during car fights.

The game lets you customize Max’s battle machine with both offensive and defensive tools. You can equip things like ramming grills, spikes, and harpoons for attacks, and upgrade your armor for protection. This adds a layer of strategy as you build a unique fighting vehicle.

8. The Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim

It Just Works

It took some time to get familiar with all the different versions of Skyrim that have come out over the years, largely because the game is incredibly replayable. It also has a huge and active modding community, and while other games might have larger modding scenes, Skyrim’s world feels very full and detailed.

The way your character develops in Skyrim is directly influenced by how you play, and it’s a more dynamic system than you’ll find in many other RPGs. Beyond the huge number of player-created mods that add endless content, the game itself is packed with things to do—explore dungeons, join factions and guilds, practice alchemy, build homes, and experience unexpected events as you explore the world.

Besides Cyberpunk 2077, this is one of the open-world games I’ve spent the most time playing since I was a teenager – some of my friends have even played it twice as long! It definitely offers a fantastic amount of gameplay for your money and deserves to be considered one of the best values in gaming.

7. Cyberpunk 2077

A Thing of Beauty

Cyberpunk 2077 really impressed me, especially considering its rocky launch. The story, characters, and gameplay ultimately won me over, and I’ve become completely absorbed in its world, Night City. I’ve actually played through the game three times, each time creating a different character and making different choices.

If you’re still on the fence, the game also features Phantom Liberty, which is considered one of the best expansions ever made for a video game. The original game is often discounted, and if you can get the bundle with the expansion, you’ll have an incredible modern role-playing experience.

If you find yourself developing feelings for a character in the game, I highly recommend exploring the modding community. There’s a huge selection of outfits, vehicles, and other customizations available that can really keep the game feeling new and exciting, even after multiple playthroughs.

6. Fallout New Vegas

The Consequences of My Own Actions

Let’s talk about Bethesda again. One of their most innovative games is definitely Fallout: New Vegas, developed by Obsidian Entertainment. It was a remarkably open-world game that gave players a huge amount of freedom and choice for its time.

Everything you do in the Mojave Wasteland – from choosing sides with the different groups to how you complete quests and even the things you say – will ultimately change the fate of the region.

Plus, the Ultimate Edition is currently very affordable, giving you access to a ton of high-quality DLC that expands on an already rich and detailed RPG experience.

It goes without saying, but don’t overlook the mods for New Vegas! The game has a huge and active modding community that’s created tons of new content – including quests, stories, and complete game overhauls – which keeps the game fresh and enjoyable long after you’ve finished the original version.

5. Dragon’s Dogma: Dark Arisen

An Ambitious ARPG

Dragon’s Dogma is a lovingly made medieval action RPG from Capcom that gained a dedicated following thanks to its innovative gameplay. Remarkably, it remains enjoyable even after ten years, proving its enduring quality despite the recent release of a sequel.

The game features two key systems. First, the Vocations system lets you customize your character’s class and how they play. Second, the Pawn System allows one of your party members to learn from enemies and be customized to fit your preferred style of play.

Battles are fast-paced and require careful planning. You’ll need to adapt to different boss weaknesses and fully utilize your character’s skills and abilities to succeed.

The Bitterblack Isle, a fantastic addition for players after finishing the main story, is a great reason to start a new game and perfect your team. And with the game currently available for under ten dollars, it’s an ideal entry point to the series, especially if you’re thinking about checking out the 2024 sequel.

4. Kingdom Come: Deliverance

Historically Complex

Everyone will likely call the new Kingdom Come game a contender for game of the year, but the first game was already a deep and complex RPG. Since the sequel continues Henry’s story directly, I highly recommend playing the original to fully understand everything that happens.

This game features a challenging combat system focused on mastering medieval swordfighting, demanding precise positioning, timing, and reflexes. It’s paired with a deeply realistic RPG system where the world reacts to your choices and your character’s traits significantly impact how quests play out.

Unlike many modern open-world games that prioritize immediate thrills or grand visuals, Kingdom Come: Deliverance offers a different experience, and that’s a big reason why fans love it. It’s a game that unfolds gradually, focusing on realism with survival elements, and your choices genuinely matter. Its commitment to historical accuracy creates a rewarding open world for players who are willing to invest time and effort.

3. Sleeping Dogs

Where’s The Movie, Simu Liu

I’ve been playing games for a long time, starting with the Xbox 360 and now on PS4, and Sleeping Dogs is one that always comes to mind. It’s not about a deep story or anything, but if you’re looking for a really solid open-world experience for the price, it’s honestly hard to beat. It’s just a fantastic value for what you get.

Even with its low price, this game is a thrilling crime drama inspired by classic Jackie Chan action movies like Police Story, but with a darker edge. The game’s version of Hong Kong is incredibly detailed, and you’re quickly immersed in the story as Wei Shen, an undercover cop walking a tightrope between duty and his own morals.

Even without considering the extra content, the main game offers a ton of activities, similar to open-world games like GTA or Saints Row. You can race cars, participate in police chases, join fight clubs, and even take part in more unusual events like cockfighting bets.

I’m always hooked when I play this game. It’s the reason I fell in love with fighting and brawler-style games, and it even got me into the Yakuza series.

2. Yakuza 0

Real Estate & Hostess Cabaret

Okay, so the timing isn’t great with the original version getting pulled and replaced with a fancier, more expensive version, but I have to say, at its heart, Yakuza 0 is seriously one of the best open-world games you can spend your money on. It’s just that good.

This story follows the early lives of two characters who will become central figures in the series, all set against the vibrant and prosperous backdrop of late 1980s Japan, a period known as the Bubble Economy.

The game offers a huge amount of side content, comparable to the open-world freedom of games like those made by Rockstar. You can lose yourself in activities like karaoke, club dancing, pocket car racing, and even two unique mini-games starring the main characters. Plus, the exciting and over-the-top combat is a real highlight, making this a great entry point for new players and a satisfying experience for veterans.

1. The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt

Toss a Coin

With so many medieval RPGs coming out, we wanted to highlight The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt – a true masterpiece by CD Projekt Red. It’s packed with incredible content, all of it high quality, making the Complete Edition a must-buy, especially with the recent next-gen upgrade.

When you’re exploring the world, you’ll constantly find interesting things to do, like lengthy side quests with compelling stories or challenging monster dens that require skillful combat. Each area feels unique, with its own distinct atmosphere and background – from the politically charged city of Novigrad to the Nordic islands of Skellige.

For the price, you get not only the complete original game, but also both of its award-winning expansions. The second expansion, Blood and Wine, is so substantial it feels like a standalone game, adding a brand new area and bringing Geralt’s story to a satisfying conclusion. It offers so much value that, even now, it holds up well against newer open-world titles.

2025-12-08 17:42